No Limitations

In Episode 155 of the No Limitations podcast, I Want to Do Something That Scares Me, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Cynthia Scott, Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director of Zip Co Ltd. In a spirited and insightful discussion, Cynthia offers a discerning perspective on how recent economic disruptions, though daunting, create significant growth opportunities for those daring enough to seize them. Reflecting on personal experience, Cynthia shares the defining challenges she faced as CEO at Zip Co, which were instrumental in reshaping her approach to leadership and the transformation of the company itself. She also outlines the enormous opportunities for Zip Co and its positive trajectory in American and local markets and retraces the pivotal moments that influenced her professional journey, closing with a powerful message on personal setbacks, the naysayers, and the greatest opportunities in disguise. Prior to Zip Co, Cynthia was the Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer at Scentre Group Ltd and also held several senior executive roles at Telstra Group Ltd, including Group Executive for the New Business portfolio. Cynthia also spent 20 years across multiple investment banks, including UBS, Merrill Lynch International, Westpac Institutional Bank and lastly Barclays, where she served as the Regional Head of Debt Capital Markets in Hong Kong and CEO of Australia and New Zealand. Cynthia is currently a Non-Executive Director at Uniti Group and was previously Chair of Foxtel Group, Telstra Ventures (now Titanium Ventures) and Chinese technology company Autohome Inc. She is also a member of the Adara Panel and Chief Executive Women and previously served on the Board of Room to Read. From 2020 to 2021, Cynthia was a Principal at Monaro Advisory Partners, where she provided strategic and operational advice to both Board and leadership teams. Please note this episode was recorded on 14 May 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 153 of the No Limitations podcast Phoenix From The Ashes, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with James P. Farwell, Senior Fellow at Sympodium-Institute for Strategic Communications (London).   In an absorbing discussion, James contends that the world today is adrift and in need of a course to steer. Drawing on his background as a political, corporate, communications and national security advisor, James asserts that Donald Trump has used tariffs as an instrument of “purposeful unpredictability” and as a potent negotiating tactic. Turning to China, James believes that Xi Jinping is establishing total control over the Chinese Communist Party, the government and the military, and that Vladimir Putin is seeking to follow in the footsteps of Peter the Great in making Russia a dominant hegemonic power once again. James discusses a range of other interesting topics including cybersecurity, irregular warfare, his fascination with UFOs, and his recent engagement with the film industry in Hollywood. He finishes with a stirring conclusion about the nature of leadership centred around character, integrity and excellence in a thought-provoking conversation.   Earlier in his career, James was a Partner at Chaffe McCall law firm in New Orleans. Thereafter, and for over three decades, James has operated his own consultancy, The Farwell Group, through which he has advised United States and overseas presidential campaigns, gubernatorial candidates from Oklahoma, California, and Arkansas, and legislative candidates from Bermuda, Greece and Korea. James is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Biodefense Research. James was previously an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Strategic Communications, Department of War Studies at King’s College in London and a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Middle East Logistics High Institute. A talented and prolific writer, James has nearly 130 publications to his name, spanning national security, corporate strategy, communications, cyberwarfare, and creative works including a West End musical and several films in the making.   Please note: this episode was recorded on 23 April 2025.   Disclaimer: the opinions expressed in this podcast are James’ own and do not represent those of the United States government.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 151 of the No Limitations podcast Commitment Bordering on Obsession, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with David Dicker, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dicker Data Ltd and Founder of Rodin Cars. In a relaxed yet discerning conversation, David reflects on his unique entrepreneurial journey. He recounts the pivotal moments and tribulations that propelled Dicker Data from its humble beginnings to the nation’s largest locally owned and operated ICT distributor. David shares the guiding principles that have been fundamental to his success, offering valuable insight to his approach to business strategy, the need for standards and translating it all into a remarkable growth story. Finally, David takes the opportunity to discuss the new world, the political landscape, and what is next over the horizon. Upon finishing high school, David pursued a refrigeration mechanics apprenticeship before joining his father’s building business. In 1978, he co-founded a computer company originally called the microcomputer division of AJ and JW Dicker. The company later rebranded to Dicker Data and in 2011, was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Dicker Data is a distributor of computer hardware, software, and cloud products, serving over 5,000 registered reseller partners annually. David is also the founder of Rodin Cars, an emerging high-technology, high-performance track car developer based in New Zealand. Please note: this episode was recorded on 19 March 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 149 of the No Limitations podcast Accelerate and Boom, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Michael Reid, Chief Executive Officer of Megaport Ltd.   In an illuminating discussion, Michael first expresses optimism about the future of the United States and the wider world. Turning to his current role, Michael explains the technical features behind Megaport’s services, and he provides an appraisal of a range of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, data centres, space satellites, and quantum computing. Michael sheds light on the operating culture of Megaport, to disrupt the status quo through constant innovation, and he highlights the steps taken to return the company to profitability after he became the Chief Executive Officer two years ago. Michael addresses several other interesting topics including the need to attract outstanding talent, set an ambitious vision to galvanise a team, and continuously learn from customers.   Michael started his career at CSG, now a part of Fujifilm, in technology sales roles. He then spent over thirteen years at Cisco, mostly in Australia, before rising to become Managing Director of Worldwide Internet of Things Sales based in California. Thereafter, he was Chief Revenue Officer at Thousandeyes, also a part of Cisco, for two years. Michael is now the Chief Executive Officer of Megaport Ltd, and he is an Executive Member of Pavilion, an Advisory Board Member of Women in Digital International, an Advisory Board Member of GrowthQ, and an Advisor at Pano AI.   Please note: this episode was recorded on 3 March 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 147 of the No Limitations podcast Modern Day Miracle, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Ian Wishart, Chief Executive Officer of The Fred Hollows Foundation. In a stirring discussion, Ian sheds light on the central mission of The Fred Hollows Foundation, which has helped restore sight or prevent blindness for more than 150 million people across 25 countries over the past 30 years. He reflects on his formative years in Port Moresby and how these experiences gave him purpose for helping those less fortunate. We hear of Ian’s early days as he commenced his career in the field of humanitarian aid, where he was deployed to civil war-torn Ethiopia as well as Rwanda, amidst an ongoing tragedy at that time, before dedicating his time to advancing children's rights and promoting gender equality. Ian then turns to his role as Chief Executive Officer of The Fred Hollows Foundation. He shares with us their incredible DNA, where one never accepts the impossible, and how they are bringing together communities, supporters, governments, and experts from around the world to help realise a bold vision of not only restoring sight but changing lives. We learn of an ambitious five-year strategy, their plans for transforming countries, as well as stories of remarkable generosity, from the donors who offer a little amount regularly, why it counts, to the future of corporate partnership, and how it will be a game changer. Constant throughout is the underlying message of the goodness of humanity and its incredible spirit. Ian brings over three decades of senior leadership in humanitarian, development, and emergency relief work. After university, he commenced his career with World Vision Australia as an Emergency Relief Project Officer before becoming a Manager in the Emergency Relief Unit, a National Director in Laos, and a Strategy Manager based in Melbourne. Thereafter, Ian served as Chief Executive Officer of Plan International Australia for 18 years and also held the role of Global Project Director for five years, leading Plan International’s startup in Hong Kong. Since 2018, Ian has been the Chief Executive Officer of The Fred Hollows Foundation. Please note: this episode was recorded on 25 November 2024. Below you will see Ian Wishart sharing the Fred Hollow’s Foundation Christmas Wish and the Blenheim Partners Christmas Album. So, enjoy your favourite Christmas tunes as we all get into the Christmas spirit and festivities. Blenheim Partners Christmas Playlist Together, we can make a difference. To make a donation to The Fred Hollows Foundation, please visit: Donate – The Fred Hollows FoundationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 145 of the No Limitations podcast A Personal Perspective, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Christine McLoughlin AM, Chairman of Suncorp Group Ltd. In a relaxed discussion, Christine provides an insightful perspective into the insurance and superannuation industries in Australia today but expresses frustration with the lack of equal gender representation on Boards and Executive Teams more broadly. Christine discusses her significant work in the sporting sector through the Minerva Network, alongside other high profile women such as current Governor-General Her Excellency The Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, and she emphasises the importance of sport as the “glue” that binds local communities together. Christine also laments the recent tendency for companies to take public positions on social or political issues as part of corporate branding and, in relation to the economy, she asserts the need to address housing affordability, inequality and access to necessary technology. Lastly, Christine presents her leadership philosophy centred around accountability, opportunity and strategy. Christine has had an extensive Executive and Board career over the past two decades. Most recently, she was the Chancellor of the University of Wollongong, and she is currently the Chairman of Suncorp Group Ltd, a Director of Cochlear Ltd, and the Chairman and Co-Founder of the Minerva Network. Christine was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for services to business, the not-for-profit sector and women. She was also Telstra Businesswoman of the Year. Christine was the Private Sector Representative for Australia for the G20 Empowerment and Progression of Women’s Economic Representation. Please note: this episode was recorded on 5 September 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 143 of the No Limitations podcast The Valley of Death, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Dr Larry Marshall, Non-Executive Director of Fortescue Ltd and Nanosonics Ltd. In a spirited discussion, Larry scrutinises Australia’s innovation dilemma, where despite the nation’s level of invention and scientific excellence, it is significantly behind in terms of commanding recognition on the global stage. He highlights the potential of capitalising on Australia’s resources to create a market vision to drive further economic growth. Larry also reflects on his time leading CSIRO, where he challenged the norm in the hundred-year-old organisation and delivered its first period of growth in three decades. He shares with us the essentials in catalysing success and the courage required as a leader in the face of failure. Finally, Larry reminds us of the importance of diversity, as different thoughts and perspectives will ultimately drive future innovation in Australia. Larry Marshall is currently a Non-Executive Director of Fortescue Ltd and Nanosonics Ltd and also serves on the Board of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, the Council of the Australian National University and the Australian Government’s Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group. Larry is also Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia. He was Chief Executive Officer of CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency from 2015 to 2023. Prior to CSIRO, he spent a considerable amount of time in the United States, where he co-founded and led a number of technology and venture capital companies in biotechnology, telecommunications and semiconductors. He is also the author of “Invention to Innovation: How Scientists Can Drive our Economy,” which was published in 2023. Please note: this episode was recorded on 27 August 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.